A Heroic Rescue and the Life of an Animal Advocate
John Di Leonardo, the executive director of Humane Long Island and an anthrozoologist, has faced countless challenges in his career dedicated to protecting animals. One of the most dramatic moments came when a bull named “Bully Joel,” who had escaped slaughter in 2023, was finally found after two months on the run in Suffolk County.
“I got a shocking call from the police,” Di Leonardo recalled. “They said, ‘We’re gonna shoot him.’ I immediately yelled, ‘No, don’t do that! I’ll get a sanctuary on the way! I’ll be right there!’ So thankfully, they listened and just corralled him instead of taking that shot.”
This quick action ensured that the bull, known for his brash personality, found a peaceful life in New Jersey. It was just one of many unforgettable experiences for Di Leonardo, who works tirelessly to rescue and protect animals across Long Island and parts of New York City.
Saving Over 1,200 Animals a Year
At the Baiting Hollow facility of Humane Long Island, Di Leonardo and his wife, Juliana, care for animals before they find their permanent homes. The organization saves approximately 1,200 animals each year. “We get animals in every single week,” he said. “It could be a handful or it could be 200.”
His job involves rescuing animals from various situations, including abandonment, cruelty, and exploitation. One such case involved a small kangaroo, or wallaby, named “Jackie Legs.” In 2023, the animal was found being exploited on the Coney Island boardwalk, where a man charged people for photos.
“Someone called us, but the police didn’t know how to handle it,” Di Leonardo explained. Eventually, he worked with the NYPD’s animal cruelty unit to create an undercover operation. A volunteer acted as a spy, tracking the handler, a 22-year-old named Michael Gibbons, who had bought the wallaby for nearly $4,000.
“She sat on him for a couple of hours while the authorities got themselves together,” Di Leonardo said. “Then they confiscated the wallaby, and now he lives in a sanctuary where he’s much happier.”
Rescues That Defy Expectations
Another remarkable case involved a South African ostrich, also known as a lesser rhea, found in a basement in Bellmore, New York. At five months old, the bird was almost as tall as Di Leonardo and surrounded by venomous reptiles. “She was terrified,” he said.
Di Leonardo also handled cases of animal abandonment, such as a group of ducks rescued from a park in Brookhaven. He noted that Suffolk County has become a hotspot for abandoned animals, especially after the Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville faced 112 animal-neglect charges last winter.
“We had over 160 birds from them,” he said. Despite the dangers, including being swung at and receiving death threats, Di Leonardo continues his work with determination.
Negotiating for Animals’ Lives
In some instances, Di Leonardo has negotiated with slaughterhouses to free animals. He often trades vegan food with businesses to secure the release of animals destined for slaughter. His efforts have extended to rare creatures as well.
Recently, he released an extremely rare orange lobster into North Fork waters after it was spotted in a ShopRite in Bay Shore. The grocery chain agreed to the release, showing support for animal welfare.
A Passion for Helping the Voiceless
Before working with animals, Di Leonardo had experience working with people with special needs. “I always wanted to help the group that needed the most in the world,” he said. “Right now, there’s no other group on the planet that is being exploited and harmed on such a large scale as animals.”
One of his favorite aspects of the job is witnessing how animals adapt after being removed from harmful situations. “They’ve never known a human touch to be a good thing. So when they come, they’re often terrified,” he said. “After a couple of days or maybe a couple of weeks, they realize that we’re here to love them and care for them. Many of them become very social and will follow us around and crave our attention.”
Events and Ongoing Efforts
Di Leonardo’s work is showcased at events like the Humane Long Island gala in Riverhead, where many of the rescues can be viewed. His dedication to animals continues to inspire others, proving that even in the face of danger and hardship, compassion and courage can make a difference.
